For nearly 35 years PPIA has been supporting students in their pursuit of graduate degrees in public policy and international affairs. The PPIA Fellowship begins with the completion of a Junior Summer Institutes (JSI). JSI is an intensive seven-week summer program that focuses on preparing students for graduate programs in public and international affairs and careers as policy professionals, public administrators and other leadership roles in public service.

Students who are selected for the 2017 Junior Summer Institute Fellowship cohort will study on the campus of one of our five participating universities:

Carnegie Mellon University

Princeton University

University of California, Berkeley

University of Michigan

University of Minnesota

The JSI curriculum includes economics, statistics, domestic/international policy issues and leadership topics, all designed to sharpen the students’ quantitative, analytic and communication skills. Extracurricular activities are also included as well. These skills are vital for admission into the top graduate programs in public and international affairs. The successful completion of a summer institute is a requirement for PPIA Fellows to qualify for graduate school benefits.

What are the benefits of participation?

Full tuition at a PPIA Junior Summer Institute.

Eligibility to receive assistance with travel expenses.

A stipend of up to $1,500 (funding determined by each JSI).

University housing with a meal plan.

Books and related course materials at your JSI.

Each JSI may offer additional benefits, such as GRE preparation, at their discretion. Please check with each JSI about any additional benefits.

Minimum of a one-time $5,000 scholarship at a PPIA graduate school if admitted for a Master’s degree. PPIA Fellows often receive financial offers above and beyond this minimum from their graduate program. (Yes, SIPA is a PPIA member!)

Fee waiver when applying to schools that are members of the PPIA Graduate School Consortium.

Who is eligible?

All prospective PPIA Fellows are expected to dedicate themselves to the traditions and objectives of the PPIA Fellowship Program, have an abiding commitment to public service and contribute to more diverse perspectives in public policy and international affairs. The following are more specific criteria and guidelines:

If you are a United States citizen or legal permanent resident you are eligible to apply to all JSI programs. In addition:

UC Berkeley (including the Law Fellows program) and Princeton University can accept international students who are studying at US institutions.

Applicants must have an expected graduation date between December 2017 and August 2018.

Must not have attained a Bachelor’s Degree prior to start of Junior Summer Institute.

Must be committed to completing a Master’s Degree in public and/or international affairs at one of the PPIA Consortium graduate schools.

Must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a professional career associated with public service such as government, nonprofits, humanitarian and international organizations and other related programs.

Must be interested in contributing to the diversity of perspectives present in the PPIA Fellowship Program.

Economic need is given consideration during the review of applications.

All academic majors are welcome to apply!

Eligible candidates are current undergrads who will be completing their B.A. between December 2017 and August 2018. The deadline to apply is November 1, 2016. Apply here.